The Vagisil Screening Kit helps you determine whether or not you have a yeast infection or something else. It says on the box that it is not to be used for diagnosis but may be helpful when discussing your symptoms and pH with your doctor. Although it says this, most people, including myself, use this product and don’t visit the doctor unless the results say it could be something other than a yeast infection. The kit comes with 2 pH wands along with a guide to match your color to a pH which then matches what type of infection you may have. Only touch the wand by the thick end. Do not touch the end where the circles are because this end will be inserted into the vagina to get your pH reading. If you touch it, it may interfere with your results.

Next, insert the thin end of the wand into the vagina and press against the vaginal wall for 5 seconds. Then take the wand out and compare the circle to the colors on the pH sheet. pH levels vary from 4.5 to 7.5. A reading higher than 5.0 may be a sign of a trichomonosis or bacterial vaginosis infection and you need to make an appointment with your Gynecologist. These types of vaginal infections must be treated with a prescription. A pH level of 4.5 indicates you may have a yeast infection, if you have symptoms of itching, burning, and cottage cheese like discharge. If you have had a yeast infection before, then you may proceed with over the counter treatment. The wand should not be used during your period or just after having sex. Wait at least 5 days after your period, and 48 hours after sex. A new wand must be used every time you test.

I purchased this product because the previous month I had been treated for a bacterial infection, and I wanted to make sure the symptoms I was experiencing were caused by a yeast infection and not another bacterial infection. The test strips were easy to use and reassured me it was a yeast infection. I proceeded with a yeast treatment, which was successful. I have not purchased this product again because I haven’t had symptoms of an infection. It can be purchased at most U.S. Food, Drug, and Mass Merchandise stores in the feminine hygiene section and costs about $15-$20. Vagisil Screening Kits are a little pricey, but I would use it to save myself an unneeded trip to the Gyno just to find out I have a yeast infection I can treat myself.

Flagyl, also known as Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat certain parasites and anaerobic bacteria. It was prescribed to me by my gynecologist to treat what they thought was bacterial vaginosis (BV), also referred to as a bacterial infection. Side effects of Flagyl can include, nausea, headaches, loss of appetite, a metallic taste, and rash. It should be stored at room temperature and away from light. Do not drink alcohol while taking Flagyl or for 3 days after taking it. It can cause severe vomiting, nausea, cramps, flushing, headaches, vaginal itching and discharge.

I was given the extended release Flagyl. For the extended release form of medicine, it should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal. The pills should not be broken or crushed. Breaking the pill will make too much of the drug release at one time. I took the pills as directed, although it was a little bit of a challenge to take the pills 1 hour before and 2 hours after eating. I experienced a metallic taste in my mouth. About 2 days into my medicine I developed a really bad yeast infection. I’m not talking about just a regular yeast infection. I’m taking about the yeast infection of all yeast infections–red, raw, swollen. I was directed to finish my medicine and then they put me on more medicine for the yeast infection.

A lot of people have reported getting a yeast infection from taking Flagyl. My doctor did not warn me about this, nor was there a label on the medicine stating this. With some antibiotics, such as penicillin, there is a warning stating it may cause a yeast infection. It took several doses of yeast infection medicine for me to get some relief. Flagyl was not a pleasant experience for me.

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We're a group of women who have tried any number of remedies to bring our lady business back into good working order. Here on Downstairs Journey we share our stories with you in the hope that everyone can benefit from our experiences.